It was a pretty good year for travel outside Canada, with numerous trips to California, a couple to Hawaii, one to Florida, a river cruise in Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, and two weeks in Western Australia and New South Wales. From Santa Monica to Sydney and Maui to Vienna, here are some of my top experiences, fave foods and hotels of 2022. BEST ISLAND PHOTO: The Abrolhos Islands of Western Australia, as seen from my scenic flight with Geraldton Air Charter. We spotted pods of dolphins from the air. You also can take a trip that includes a nice swim Read more
Australia/New Zealand/PAC
Your travel dollars likely won’t go as far next year. Air Monitor 2023, published today by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), forecasts widespread air fare price rises in North America and around the world, due to a range of factors including inflation, rising fuel costs, and capacity issues. The report is an annual forecast of air fare movements on key business travel routes. North American domestic fares are expected to see moderate rises (3.4% business, 2.9% economy) as more capacity comes online in 2023. Europe-North America routes are expected to see modest rises of 3.7%, while intra-European flights Read more
For years now, I’ve posted travel blogs that point out what other websites suggest for places to visit the following year. This time, I’m happy to mention a few of the major travel publications, but I’m also providing my OWN list of places I think travellers should explore. Without further ado, here are my Jim Byers Travel suggestions for cool places to check out in 2023. I’ve listed ten, with a bonus pick at no extra charge. WESTERN AUSTRALIA I visited in May of this year, and it was one of the best trips of my life. Perth was a Read more
This is a repost of a story I wrote a few years ago. World class wines in an area that resembles the Napa Valley of California. Fabulous lodges with great food. And kayaking in deep blue waters that feel like the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. I arrived in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, the far north end of the South Island, knowing I’d be tasting some of the world’s best – and most popular – Sauvignon Blanc. Somehow I didn’t realize the area had such jaw-dropping scenery, as well. Upon arrival at the small airport in Blenheim, my Read more
Time Out magazine has come out with a list of the https://www.timeout.com/travel/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world of the world, and Canada is well represented. Montreal’s Mile End district garnered the fifth spot. “Part of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, this pocket north of Mont-Royal Avenue is home to some of the city’s world-famous institutions as well as epic new spots,” Time Out said. In Toronto, Dundas West came 12th overall. “Nestled between Trinity Bellwoods and West Queen West, this stretch of Canada’s ‘city of neighbourhoods’ is a culture consumer’s paradise with boutique art galleries, snug bars, understated nightclubs and enough cosy coffee shops to keep you Read more
